Drewsland benefits from D&G Foundation grant

Lydia Campbell’s intention of reducing the garbage disposal issues plaguing the Drewsland community in Kingston has been realised after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation.

The Drewsland Benevolent Society was among 56 beneficiaries, selected through a partnership with The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, that received a share of $5.6 million.

Campbell, who is president of the society, told The Gleaner that improper garbage disposal practices over the years have been causing serious health and environmental challenges for the community.

“We have a very huge garbage disposal issue, as persons in the community use the gully to dump their garbage. Over the years, it has posed a lot of different situations, from mosquitoes to rodents, and so this had to be a part of our priority plans. It was one of our top five issues,” she said.

Sophia Howard, secretary, expressed similar sentiments, indicating that her own daughter has been affected by the issues. She said that this has propelled her even more to seek ways of remedying the problems being faced in the community.

“We find ways and means to make the community a safer place. We implement projects and seek help from other organisations to help with projects, based on the challenges we are having,” Howard said.

Elated

Campbell said that she was overwhelmed with joy when she got the call that she was chosen. She told The Gleaner that the money will be used to purchase 10 garbage houses.

“I was here at work, and when I got the call, I was very elated to be chosen. Over the years, it has been a challenge when we are trying to implement projects. You can never say when you are going to get a call or when someone is going to give a positive feedback,” Campbell said.

“Sometimes persons don’t call back, or you have to follow up; and sometimes they say ‘yes’, but then another problem develops as to why you can’t get the money, so it was very good to be chosen,” she added.

“This is something we have been trying over the years and so we want to thank D&G for coming on board with us. It’s not only a community problem, but it becomes an environmental and health challenge,” Howard concluded.